Saudi Arabia’s Hospitality Boom Takes Centre Stage at Expo 2025

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saudi arabia

The 13th edition of the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia is poised to return as a standalone event in 2025, offering a pivotal platform for global industry leaders to capitalise on the burgeoning Saudi tourism sector. The event, taking place from April 8-10 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre (RICEC), will contribute significantly to the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 objectives.

This strictly B2B event has already garnered impressive demand, with hundreds of exhibitors from 26 countries, including Türkiye, China, India, and Italy, signing up to showcase their innovations. Major industry players such as RAK Porcelain, BAAL, Palatino, Technogym International, Sealy, and Anatomy Fitness are confirmed to participate, alongside strong representation from Saudi Arabia itself.

Organisers dmg events and KAOUN International have chosen to separate this edition from its previous co-location with INDEX Saudi Arabia and the Lighting Design & Technology Expo. This move comes in response to increasing demand from exhibitors, reflecting the rapid growth and expansion of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry, which the expo aims to support more effectively.

“As Saudi Arabia continues its strategic expansion within the global hospitality landscape and towards its Vision 2030 goals, this year’s Hotel & Hospitality Expo is poised to be a significant milestone,” stated Jasmeet Bakshi, Vice President, Design and Hospitality at dmg events. The event will fill all four halls at RICEC, underscoring the remarkable growth opportunities in the Kingdom’s hospitality sector.

Saudi Arabia is experiencing a surge in hospitality development, with a forecast of 320,000 new hotel rooms by 2030, driven by the goal of attracting 150 million annual tourists. More than 67% of these rooms will be in upscale or luxury 4- and 5-star properties. This expansion is a key component of Vision 2030, which seeks to make tourism contribute 10% of the Kingdom’s GDP. With new hotel management agreements and refurbishments announced regularly, the sector’s future looks promising.

The Expo has garnered official support from the Restaurant and Café Owners Association, which represents over 3,500 restaurateurs and investors. CEO Ahmed Alkashakri highlighted the unparalleled opportunities the event will provide for exploring innovative solutions and insights to propel the industry forward.

Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector benefits from major upcoming projects and global events, including the 2027 Asian Cup, FIFA World Cup 2034, and World Expo 2030, which is expected to attract 40 million visitors and contribute $94.6 billion to the economy. Additionally, the launch of Riyadh Air in 2025, with flights to over 100 destinations worldwide, is expected to drive further growth.

The Hotel & Hospitality Expo is considered the gateway to Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector, anticipated to attract over 8,000 industry professionals. The event will offer opportunities to network, forge strategic partnerships, and discover the latest trends and innovations in the hospitality ecosystem. The “Hospitality Leaders’ Summit” will feature expert presentations and panel discussions with C-level executives from industry giants such as Diriyah Company, Marriott International, and Hilton, alongside the prestigious Hotel & Hospitality Awards.

With over a decade of expertise in the Saudi market, DMG Events is playing a vital role in driving the growth of the Kingdom’s hospitality industry. Bakshi noted that “Hotel & Hospitality Expo is in the vanguard of that growth drive,” reinforcing the event’s role in Saudi Arabia’s development as a global hospitality hub.

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